An armed attack was carried out on a Smart Air aircraft and a Freeport convoy in Indonesia’s Papua region. Three people lost their lives in the incidents, and a rebel group claimed responsibility.
In the easternmost Papua region of Indonesia, three people were killed and several others injured in armed attacks carried out near the mining facilities of Freeport Indonesia. In one of the attacks, a small commercial aircraft belonging to Smart Air was fired upon, while in the other a Freeport convoy was targeted. The Free Papua Movement (OPM) claimed responsibility for the incidents.
Aircraft fired upon at Korowai Airport
According to Police Spokesperson Cahyo Sukarnito, a small commercial aircraft belonging to Smart Air that was landing at Korowai Airport in Boven Digoel, South Papua province, came under armed attack on Wednesday morning.
There were two pilots and 13 passengers on board the aircraft. During the attack, the pilots and passengers evacuated the aircraft and fled to a nearby forested area. However, the pilot and co-pilot lost their lives. It was stated that the passengers were not injured.
Authorities stated that it was not initially clear who was behind the attack, while the Smart Air company did not comment on the matter.
Rebel group claimed responsibility
Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the Free Papua Movement (OPM), announced that they claimed responsibility for both attacks. Sambom alleged that the Smart Air aircraft frequently transported Indonesian security forces and claimed that the pilot was targeted for this reason.
Conflict ongoing in Papua for a long time
In the resource-rich Papua region, low-intensity but occasionally escalating clashes have been ongoing between security forces and separatist groups since the region was incorporated into Indonesia following a referendum held under United Nations supervision in 1969. Pro-independence groups still consider the legitimacy of the referendum controversial.
